Journalism has hit a new low when in response to the recent probable death of Dr. Peter Hertzak, who has practiced in this small community, the local paper prints such negative information about him -- on the front page, no less.

There was no mention of the many, many children delivered by this physician or the care and concern he has given to his "mothers to be" for 25-plus years. What happened to balanced and fair journalism?

Was there no regard for his grieving family? What purpose did such an article serve?

It just seems that little thought was given to decency and respect for this person, his family or his patients. We expected The Times-Picayune to be above this type of sensationalism.